Decreto Flussi 2026-2028: Italy’s Plan to Welcome 497,550 Non-EU Workers

Jul 2, 2025
3 min read

On June 30, 2025, the Italian government granted preliminary approval for the Decreto Flussi 2026-2028, a comprehensive migration policy allocating 497,550 work visas for non-European Union nationals over three years. This strategic initiative addresses labor shortages in critical sectors like agriculture, tourism, domestic care, and skilled professions, while promoting legal migration and reducing irregular entries.

According to a press release from dottrinalavoro.it, the decree reflects Italy’s commitment to balancing economic needs with humanitarian goals and fostering global partnerships.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of the Decreto Flussi 2026-2028, including visa quotas, sector-specific allocations, and its broader implications for Italy’s labor market.

Overview of the Decreto Flussi 2026-2028

The Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree) is Italy’s recurring policy regulating the entry of non-EU workers for seasonal and non-seasonal employment, as well as self-employment. The 2026-2028 plan continues Italy’s shift to a three-year framework, introduced in 2023, to provide stability for employers and workers.

Key priorities include:

Addressing labor shortages in agriculture, tourism, and caregiving
Encouraging highly skilled professionals in IT, engineering, and healthcare
Offering preferential quotas for countries that combat human trafficking

Work Visa Quotas: 2026–2028 Breakdown

The 497,550 work visas are divided into two main categories:

Work Type	Total Quotas (2026–2028)
Subordinate & Self-Employment (Non-Seasonal)	230,550
Seasonal Work (Agriculture & Tourism)	267,000
Total	497,550

Year-by-Year Visa Distribution

Year	Total Work Visas
2026	164,850
2027	165,850
2028	166,850

Domestic Workers and Caregivers: A Growing Need

Due to Italy's aging population, there is a rising need for domestic helpers (colf) and caregivers (badanti). The decree sets specific quotas to meet this demand.

Year	Quota for Domestic Workers & Caregivers
2026	13,600
2027	14,000
2028	14,200

Caregivers earn an average salary of €24,814/year, and applicants must secure a job offer before applying.

For more details, visit VisasUpdate.com.

Seasonal Work: Powering Agriculture and Tourism

267,000 seasonal visas are allocated for agriculture and tourism:

Year	Seasonal Work Quota
2026	88,000
2027	89,000
2028	90,000

These visas cover roles like farm workers, hotel staff, and restaurant employees, with a 9-month validity.

Non-Seasonal Work: Long-Term Employment Opportunities

230,550 non-seasonal visas are available for:

Subordinate (employed) workers (construction, healthcare, IT)
Self-employed professionals (entrepreneurs, engineers, startup founders)

Year	Non-Seasonal Work Quota
2026	76,850
2027	76,850
2028	76,850

Self-employment visas require a minimum €500,000 investment (creating 3+ jobs).

Priority for Countries Combating Irregular Migration

The decree reserves preferential quotas for nationals from countries that:

Cooperate with Italy on anti-trafficking measures
Promote legal migration pathways

This aligns with Italy’s strategy to reduce irregular migration while supporting structured labor inflows.

Highly Qualified Professionals: EU Blue Card Pathway

Highly skilled workers (IT, healthcare, engineering) may qualify for the EU Blue Card, requiring:

A job offer
Minimum salary of ~€33,500/year
Recognized qualifications

This provides an extra-quota pathway outside the Decreto Flussi limits.

Application Process and Challenges

Key Steps:

Employers apply for a nulla osta (work authorization) via the ALI Portal
Workers apply for a Type D visa at an Italian consulate
Upon arrival, obtain a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit)

Challenges:

"Click Day" system – Quotas fill within minutes
Bureaucratic delays – Low conversion rates (e.g., <10% in 2024)

New reforms (2026) include provincial quotas and streamlined digital processing.

Broader Implications

The Decreto Flussi 2026-2028 addresses Italy’s:

Aging population (281,000 more deaths than births in 2024)
Labor shortages in key sectors
Need for skilled professionals

However, critics argue the "click day" system remains flawed, turning migration into a "digital lottery."

Conclusion

The Decreto Flussi 2026-2028 opens 497,550 work visas for non-EU nationals, balancing economic needs and migration management. Applicants must prepare for a competitive process, and employers should seek legal guidance.